Principal Mechanical Engineer, Control Actuation Systems

Prattwhitney; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Prattwhitney is looking for a Precision Control Actuation System (PCAS) mechanical design engineer in Huntsville, Alabama. This role involves providing mechanical engineering support including detailed design, acceptance testing, and systems engineering. Candidates must possess a minimum of 8 years of mechanical design experience and experience with controls and actuation systems.

The successful applicant will work autonomously, supporting strategic vision and participating in hardware activities across relevant programs. U.S. citizenship and DoD Secret clearance are required.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of mechanical engineering design experience required.
• Experience with control actuation systems for products.
• Proficient in generating free-body diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert knowledge in control mechanism development.
• Participate in engineering builds and hardware integration.
• Assist in developing strategic vision for PCAS.

Skills

Mechanical engineering design

Controls and actuation systems

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing

3-D modeling

Matlab

Simulink

dSpace

Education

Typically a STEM degree

Advanced degree in engineering

Tools

Pro/Engineer

CREO

Job description

Job Summary

Precision Control Actuation System (PCAS) mechanical design engineer to support the development, build, and verification of control actuation systems. Provide mechanical engineering support based on program needs, including detailed mechanical design, earned value management, test design and execution, and systems engineering. Flex responsibilities as the organization’s needs change, and work autonomously as an expert in control mechanism development while assisting in strategic vision for PCAS.

Security & Eligibility

• U.S. citizenship required.
• DoD Secret clearance required prior to start date; ability to obtain interim clearance also required.
• Open to U.S. citizens, U.S. persons, or those with an eligible immigration status who can obtain the required security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Work autonomously and provide expert knowledge in control mechanism development.
• Assist in developing strategic vision for PCAS functional and organizational strategies beyond assigned program work.
• Participate in hands‑on hardware activities, including engineering builds, hardware integration, tuning, and verification.
• Flex responsibilities as the organization’s needs evolve, including detailed design, earned value management, test design/execution, and systems engineering.

Qualifications – Must Have

• Typically a STEM degree and a minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience, or an advanced degree and a minimum of 5 years of experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of mechanical engineering design experience.
• Experience with controls and actuation systems (CAS) for products or hardware, or manufacturing.
• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (ASME Y14.5).
• Ability to deconstruct high‑level tasks into discrete, lower‑level work packages.
• Proficient in generating free‑body diagrams and executing engineering processes and procedures.
• Moderate 3‑D modeling skills in a prominent commercial package (e.g., Pro/Engineer, CREO).
• Experience using Matlab, Simulink, and dSpace.
• Design and manufacturing knowledge of machined parts, injection‑molded parts, hobbing, broaching, sheet‑metal fabrication, BLDC motors, wire/flex harnesses, corrosion‑resistant steels, and aluminum alloys.

Qualifications – Preferred

• Experience with systems or mechanical engineering of servo controls.
• Experience with development of CAS requirements, architecture, risk, verification, validation, system performance, function, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Experience working with control actuation systems that employ permanent‑magnet brushless DC motor technology.
• Experience with feedback control systems, including sizing, testing, integration, design for manufacturing, kinematic and dynamic simulation, and analysis.

Equal‑Opportunity Employer Statement

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.